The fruit itself is approximately two inches in diameter and height. Each fruit has 12 segments and is practically seedless, having less than ten seeds per fruit. Unlike many orange trees, clementine trees are almost free of thorns. Is your climate suitable for growing Clementine oranges? Clementine Variety of OrangesĪrriving in Florida in 1909, the original variety of Clementine ( Algerian tangerine) made its way to California by 1914. Some varieties are sweeter than others are, and Clementine’s can be as small as mandarin oranges or as large as tangelos. The fruit is easily segmented, very juicy, and can be sweet and sour in flavor. The fruit of the Clementine is bright orange, the rind is shiny, has a smooth texture, and the fruit is easy to peel. There are five different varieties of Clementine, each with distinctive qualities and flavors. However, there are likely private stock varieties that are excellent. Since some Clementine varieties are hybrids, their parentage may be questionable.

As a result, the best Clementine’s grow in southern California, the Gulf Coast of Florida, Northern Africa, Spain, Australia, and warmer areas of several Mediterranean countries.Īs one of the best-known citrus hybrids globally, the clementine orange is technically a Tangor or Temple orange. Although clementines will grow in any warm climate, they prefer hot climates. Often mistaken for mandarin oranges and in the same family, clementine oranges are different from other varieties of citrus fruit.